Preparing for new computer

[mujammil]

Hey,,

 

Today i've ordered my quad core Dell inspiron 560 :thumbsup:

 

I really do not wish my new computer to, over time, turn out like this garbage computer and be packed full of viruses, so i wanted to know your ideas on what i can do to keep my computer running smoothly for a long time.

 

I am getting 15 month McAfee security free and people are telling me to simply delete it as soon as i get it as it takes up unnecessary space and is useless. They're telling me to simply get free antivirus software such as AVG and just run daily scans, is this what i should do?

 

Some people are telling me to remove a lot of the inbuilt programs that come with the computer as once again, they are pointless and take up space, should I? and if so which ones.

 

I have a lot of music files on this old computer and am wishing to transfer them onto my new computer, could i do this without causing too much damage to my new computer as this one contains a good 1.5k songs which i would not like to download individually on my new comp =/

 

So jst generally, what can i do on this new computer to keep it running smoothly and virus free :)

 

Thanks.

 

 

EDIT: Also, what about windows automatic updates, should i disable them? I heard they do more damage to your computer, than good, is that true? =/

[OldJoe]

McAfee is better than nothing, but there are better alternatives out there.

Personally i use Comodo firewall+Avira antivir (both free).

No need to run daily scans unless you're visiting weird sites.

 

I personally don't use those inbuilt programs, i disable/uninstall those that i don't like.

I don't know what programs will follow your computer so i can't say which ones...

 

You could buy a transfer cable... Costs like 20$.

[indy500fan]

Be careful about what you download/install. It's not hard to avoid getting viruses. Run a spyware/adware search every now and then if you want, a virus check wouldn't be bad.

[PastyGangsta]

For an antivirus check out Microsoft Security Essentials. Always does the job for me, never bothers me unless something is actually wrong (so not too often) and it's very lightweight. Best of all, it's free.

 

http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

 

Of course before you install anything, run the Decrapifier first. It will clean out any crapware which comes preinstalled on your Dell, and contains useful information about each program it marks as junk (in case you disagree or have no clue what something does). Also free.

 

http://www.pcdecrapifier.com/

 

As for your music, copy your entire music folder to the desktop, install 7Zip (free as well), and compress the heck out of it into a .7z file. You'll need to install 7Zip on your other computer as well to decompress everything, but it'll make the file transfer go faster. To actually transfer the file, look into a transfer cable or just a large flash drive (1.5k songs is about 6GB I think).

 

http://www.7-zip.org/

 

Actually the 7Zip program contains an option to split the compressed file into pieces designed for floppies (bad choice), CD's, or DVD's. So, if you own a CD or DVD burner you could do that, burn the files to discs, and transfer them that way to save buying a cable.

 

Over all, good luck, and have fun with that quad core CPU. It's ridiculous. :thumbsup:

[Sam]

PROTIP: Don't run like 10 tabs on your browser at once.

[Jernlov]

PROTIP: Don't run like 10 tabs on your browser at once.

 

I often run more than 10 if I'm browsing imageboards/music sites/etc. It doesn't adversely affect my performance.

[indy500fan]

Yeah I see no reason to not have 10 tabs open, I do it all the time with no problems.

 

If I am browsing a site with a lot of images I could have a hundred tabs open, and never any problems.

[Solartide]

 

 

EDIT: Also, what about windows automatic updates, should i disable them? I heard they do more damage to your computer, than good, is that true? =/

 

Network Admin here.

 

I think that's a rumor started by the tech support department to insure their jobs in this harsh economic environment.

 

Turn the updates on, do it for me.

[n00bfiterpk6]

if your music files are all over the place you could install a program such as media monkey, get it to scan your computer for songs, select all and go copy to "folder" then either stick that on a usb stick, or if both the computers have network point things just plug em into eachother, share a folder and copy them over. You might also want to get any other photos/documents ect, for easy access at a later date, and if you are getting rid of the old computer, back up like everything, nothing worse then finding out you deleted something you need a couple years later.

[Skeptical]

Get these programs for protection and detection:

 

malwarebytes (run weekly)

avast anti-virus (run a deep scan once a month or so)

Spybot search & destroy (run at least once a week)

 

 

Run serious scans before moving any files from an old computer, and be VERY careful with USB's: the Recycler virus moves around that way, and it's a B****.

Use firefox, and get Zonealarm.

 

If you REALLY want to to be safe switch to using Ubuntu, or some other Linux OS.

 

Windows updates are not harmful, they just aren't particularly useful.

[Sbrideau]

Windows update not useful? Actually they are very useful as they fill security holes and such. Also, instead of Avast, use either Microsoft Security Essentials or Avira Antivir.

[Will H]

Also, what about windows automatic updates, should i disable them? I heard they do more damage to your computer, than good, is that true? =/

 

Please don't do that. Windows Updates keep your computer a lot safer and faster. They also usually supply drivers for any devices you add, which won't work or won't work well otherwise. I'm also going to advocate Microsoft Security Essentials, but remember the best antivirus program in the world is in your head. So long as you know the signs, viruses won't get to you.